For urgent help
Domestic violence and abuse 24 hr helpline
Freephone 08005-876500

Domestic violence is behaviour by an adult towards another (usually partner or spouse) that is controlling and forceful. 

It can be:

• physical, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• social isolation
• verbal aggression
• threats

It can happen to anyone, in all kinds of relationships - heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender regardless of class, age, race, disability. The abuse can start at any time – in new relationships or after many years together.

All forms of abuse come from the abuser’s desire for power and control.

Children are profoundly affected by domestic violence. Whatever the abuse, you do not have to put up with it. We are here to help and advise you.

You do have options:

• stay in the present home and get the perpetrator of the violence to leave
• take legal action.
• stay at home if you think this is safe
• stay with relatives or friends
• stay in a women’s refuge. This is only an option for women (with or without children)
• get emergency accommodation from the local authority under homeless persons law - this will usually mean a bed and breakfast hostel
• move into privately rented accommodation

Women’s Aid Refuges are safe houses run by and for women suffering domestic violence. Refuges provide somewhere safe for women and their children to stay and allow some time and space for the woman to think about what to do next.

Staff at refuges are specialised in dealing with domestic violence, and so can give a lot of emotional and practical support, for example, advice on benefit claims, which solicitors to use and, if necessary, how to contact the police.

Refuges can provide safe space, as well as practical and emotional support. They all differ and offer varying levels of support. It is usual to be referred by an agency such as CAB, Police, Samaritans or Social Services.

There are several refuges within Hampshire but it may be more important to get away completely from the local area:

Southampton Woman’s Aid:  www.communigate.co.uk/hants/swa/ 

Office No. 02380 338881    Advice Line No. 02380 710068

Samaritans No. 02380 632888

The Police have specially trained staff to help people experiencing domestic violence. They work closely with other organisations offering help and support. Their aim is to ensure the violence does not happen again.

Solicitors

If you take legal action to protect yourself or your family from domestic violence, you may qualify for legal aid without having to meet the normal financial conditions.

To discuss legal protection for yourself and your children consult a solicitor who is experienced in matrimonial work. Fareham CAB can provide a list of local solicitors.

You can also look at the online Legal Adviser Directory on the Community Legal Service website at: www.clsdirect.org.uk.

SUPPORT SERVICES

For urgent help
Domestic violence and abuse 24 hr helpline
Freephone 08005-876500

Victim Support
Can support you in dealing with the emotional and practical difficulties involved in domestic violence.   They can also support you at court if needed.
Tel: Gosport - (023) 9252-8248
       Portsmouth (Hilsea) - (023) 9265-3111

Police
In an emergency ring 999, otherwise 0845-045-4545.

Rape Crisis
Provides support and counselling to anyone over 16 who has suffered any sexual abuse or assault, however long ago.
Tel: Southampton - 023-8063-6313
       Chichester freephone 0800-279-7273 or 01243-779196
Email: info@rapecrisis.org.uk
www.rapecrisis.org.uk

The Samaritans
Tel: Portsmouth (023) 9269-1313 or 08457 90 90 90
www.samaritans.org.uk/cgi-bin/w_displaycentre.cgi?bcode=PORTS

Relate
Relationship counselling.
Tel: Portsmouth (023) 9238-5478
www.relate.org.uk
 

Women's Aid Federation of England:
Free 24 hour helpline provides advice and information, including information on refuges throughout England:
0808 2000 247

Shelterline
Freephone 0808 800 4444

Refuge
Freephone 24 hour 0808 2000 247

Childline
Freephone 0800 1111

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
Freephone 0800 800 500

Careline
0181 514 1177

Male Advice & Enquiry line
0845 064 6800

Perpetrators of violence

There are specialist organisations which can help violent people who want to stop being violent.

Some are self help groups run by others who have had experience of violent behaviour, others may be run by trained counsellors. It may also be possible for you to get help through your GP.

National Domestic Violence Helpline

A national 24 hour helpline provides access to advice and support to anyone experiencing domestic violence. The freephone helpline number is 0808 200 0247. The helpline is provided jointly by Women's Aid and Refuge.

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